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This couple took on a crumbling 1901 Dutch Colonial Revival, adding vintage-look details, energy-saving systems, and cozy new living spaces inside and out

Humble 1898 Beginnings

And when we saw this Dutch Colonial Revival, we knew it had just the right potential. Outside, the home had a gambrel roof and unique front porch arches, still intact. Inside, while much had been stripped away over time, some bits of character, like push-button light switches, remained. I also loved the house's history. It was built for an enterprising female music professor at the turn of the century from a $5 architectural plan from Ladies' Home Journal. She financed it with music lesson fees.

Shown: The homeowners found this 1898 Ladies' Home Journal ad offering the plans for their house. Cost to build it at the time: $1,500 to $1,750.